The New Roots Black Caucus is a transformative personal and professional development program designed specifically for Black Leaders. This innovative program combines in-person sessions, virtual engagements, and a dedicated Wellness Retreat to explore deep-seated issues surrounding racial identity and systemic oppression. It uniquely intertwines the wisdom of indigenous practices with contemporary healing modalities to foster an environment of healing, understanding, and growth.

The primary aim of the New Roots Black Caucus is to help Black Leaders:

  • Examine and confront internalized racial oppression.

  • Identify and address behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism.

  • Integrate holistic health practices into their daily lives to manage and mitigate the emotional and psychological toll of racial injustices.

  • Reconnect with indigenous ways of being, incorporating ancestral wisdom into modern living to create sustainable change in communities.

  • Regularly scheduled in-person meetings and virtual sessions facilitate a continuous learning and support environment. These sessions will cover topics like historical trauma, systemic analysis, and leadership in the face of adversity, all through the lens of racial justice and holistic health.

    Virtual sessions ensure flexibility and accessibility, allowing leaders the ability to connect and gain information from the comfort of their own space.

  • An immersive retreat that serves as the heart of the program, focusing on deep personal growth and wellness. Activities include guided meditation, yoga, nature walks, and workshops on herbal medicine and traditional healing practices.

    The retreat provides a space for reflection, connection, and rejuvenation, enabling participants to explore their vulnerabilities and strengths in a supportive setting.

  • Participants will learn and practice a range of holistic health strategies designed to support emotional, physical, and mental well-being. These include but are not limited to mindfulness, nutritional guidance, herbalism, and physical activity tailored to individual needs and cultural relevance.

  • A practical, hands-on component where participants bring specific challenges they face in their professional lives to the program. This segment allows for the application of learned concepts to real-world problems, with the support of peers and mentors to brainstorm and implement effective strategies.

  • A unique aspect of the program is the opportunity for participants to receive coaching from seasoned leaders who have significantly advanced in their personal and professional journeys. This mentoring component emphasizes the transfer of intergenerational knowledge and experiences.

    Coaching sessions are designed to be dynamic and responsive, addressing the real-time challenges participants face in their roles as leaders within their organizations and communities.

The New Roots Black Caucus is ideal for Black leaders in various sectors, including nonprofit, business, education, and community organizing, who are committed to dismantling systemic barriers and advancing equity through enlightened leadership and community engagement.

  • Participants should hold a staff, manager, or non-executive level leadership role within their organization.

  • Participants should have a genuine interest in centering self care and holistic well being as a key ingredient in change strategies.

  • This program requires virtual and/or in person participation. Therefore participants should expect to dedicate approximately 10 hours a month to the program.

  • The Caucus will be limited to maximum of 40 participants and no more than 2 from the same organizations. All interested individuals must apply to participate.

All workshops are hosted either virtually or in-person between the hours of 1pm and 4pm EST unless otherwise indicated. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.

  • The Coming Together

  • The Unlearning

  • Strategies for Liberation

  • Wellness Retreat

  • The Doing and Being

  • The Transition

  • May 1: Application opens

  • June 1: Application closes. Participants are randomly selected.

  • June 2-15: Selected participants receive welcome information. 

  • June 18: New Roots Black Caucus begins.

  • December 3: New Roots Black Caucus ends.